Two Prop. 13 defenders decry abuse of loophole by corporations

They say they're open to narrow legislation to fix the law, which appears to allow companies to avoid paying additional property taxes when buying real estate in California.

California Supreme Court upholds pot dispensary bans

In a unanimous decision, the court rules that local governments have the power to rezone dispensaries out of existence. The decision upholds bans in about 200 cities.

Betrayed? Citizen soldiers lose jobs; U.S. government biggest offender

National Guard and Reserve soldiers too often come home to find that their employers have given away their jobs. Among the worst offenders: government agencies.

Pérez vows fiscal discipline from Democrats

The Assembly speaker won't rush to spend a tax windfall and proposes a new rainy-day reserve to stash money

Greuel, Garcetti find different ways to balance kids, campaigns

City controller keeps her politics-minded preteen involved in mayoral race; councilman generally keeps his toddler at home.

California Gov. Jerry Brown unveils an 'ugly' prison plan

Frustrated governor's proposal would free some inmates early to ease crowding, but still miss court's target.

California state Senate OKs social network, drug bills

A measure sent on to the Assembly would make sites such as Facebook remove information about minors when parents request it. Another would allow hard drug possession to be treated as a misdemeanor.

California tax revenue yields multibillion-dollar surplus

State coffers contain about $4.5 billion more than expected in personal income tax payments. Business taxes have also rebounded, signaling an economic recovery.

Gov. Jerry Brown submits court-ordered prisons plan

The governor submitted the plan after judges threatened him with contempt of court if he continued to delay orders to meet inmate population caps.

Savvy politicos block the shot

Sacramento's Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA all-star, teamed with a squad of connected political operatives to gain an edge in the fight to keep the Kings in town.

Coalition working on ballot measure to limit prescription drug abuse

The coalition of consumer groups and trial lawyers is concerned that medical reform bills currently before the California Legislature will be weakened or killed.

Jerry Brown OKs funds to seize guns held illegally

The governor approves $24 million to confiscate weapons from people who can no longer own them due to criminal convictions, restraining orders or mental illness.

May Day demonstrators rally across U.S.

Immigrant rights and labor union activists in Los Angeles and beyond call for 'legalization now' as Congress debates a major immigration package.

CDC probing valley fever outbreaks in two California prisons

More than three dozen inmates in two Central Valley state prisons have died after contracting the disease. Court-appointed monitor calls state's response to the deaths 'anemic.'

L.A. County rejects Santa Clarita districts' elections proposal

Six school districts and a water district were seeking to consolidate elections to avoid possible voting rights lawsuits brought against other local governments.

California ordered to move prisoners at risk of valley fever

The directive affects more than 3,000 inmates, including those with HIV, chronic medical conditions, African Americans, Filipinos and others of Asian descent.

L.A. mayoral candidates debate role of outside spending in elections

Garcetti criticizes the $3.5 million spent on Greuel's behalf by the union representing DWP workers.

California bullet train groundbreaking faces new obstacles

Challenges are coming from a private railroad, a legislative committee and a powerful federal agency asserting authority over the project.

San Gabriel council deems itself judge over election results

Officials hold their own hearing — with sworn witnesses — to decide if the second-highest vote-getter should be seated because of a local-residency challenge.

California may go forward without a financial reserve

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget contains no provision for a reserve. Without a financial cushion, some say, California may be more vulnerable to drops in revenue.

Defense Department becomes a wildlife protector

The military is working with environmental groups and local governments to create buffer zones around bases where development threatened to encroach on combat training. It's been a conservation boon.

'Super PACs' negate spending limits in L.A. mayor's race

As groups raising funds for Greuel and Garcetti pour money into the race — a record $6.1 million so far — voter-approved contribution restrictions become meaningless.